Master Gardener Training Series: Tree Pruning
As I near the completion of my Master Gardener Training Series, the wealth of knowledge I've acquired feels both exhilarating and vast. Through this experience, I’ve found an unexpected new passion for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and I’ve confirmed my love for gardening and educating others about gardening as a worthwhile future life path. If you're new to the blog, I've been immersed in the Virginia Extension Master Gardener training program through the Hanover Master Gardener Association for the past three enriching months. This week marks a significant milestone as I transition from Trainee to Intern, embarking on a journey that requires a minimum of 50 hours of community service across various program areas to earn the esteemed title of Master Gardener.
There are topics we covered that I am not sure if I’ll be blogging about at this time, however, I've noticed a common query echoing through social media channels lately: pruning perplexities. I am going to provide some basic information about what I learned during that dynamic class. Our speaker was Janine Lester, the only female Board-Certified Master Arborist in Virginia. HOW COOL! I could have listened to her speak for so much longer than the 3 hours we enjoyed! It was fascinating and I learned so much! Without getting into the weeds, here are some basic tree-pruning myths and facts that I learned.
But first, the American National Standards Institute states, “Pruning shall be performed only by arborists or other qualified professionals who, through related training and on-the-job experience, are familiar with the standards, practices, and hazards of arboriculture related to pruning and the equipment used in such operations.” So please consult an arborist or your local extension office for guidance on proper pruning before taking a wack at it yourself.
Safety is the #1 reason you should prune.
While pruning around powerlines may not look aesthetically pleasing and may look radical, it does serve the purpose of preventing wildfires.
Structural defects increase the likelihood of tree or limb failure. Defects should be corrected with structural pruning.
Pruning is about safety first, followed by tree health, and finally aesthetics.
Myth #1: Pruning Makes Plants Healthier
There is little research to support claims that pruning preserves the health of tress. Pruning reallocates resources within the trees.
Myth #2: Pruning makes trees happier.
Pruning wounds the tree
Pruning removes food production
Pruning creates a hormonal frenzy that confuses the tree on where it should be sending its energy
Pruning potentially alters the stability of the tree
Effects can be long-lasting (stunting or slowing the growth of the tree)
Bark Inclusions and Upright Branching--The most common tree failures.
The single biggest predictor of failure is bark inclusions.
Some trees have two or more co-dominant stems (main stems) when bark becomes ingrown between the two stems, it is prone to structural breakage.
Trees with upright limb structures (Bradford Pear) are more prone to weather damage and breaking than trees with horizontal branching structures.
Prune Trees in Early Spring.
The best time to prune trees is in early spring.
If the tree is a flowering tree, prune shortly after flowering.
Do not prune in the fall or winter. Trees are not actively growing during this time so the wounds that are created by pruning can’t heal. This leaves them susceptible to disease.
You can safely prune up to 60% of a medium-aged tree successfully. However, studies show that people have a hard time visually determining this percentage.
5 Pruning Tips
You Should Know:
Prune out anything growing straight up and down as it's prone to breaking.
Get rid of branches rubbing together
Cut anything out that doesn't show leaf growth. Dead branches happen and it’s important to remove them before Mother Nature does.
Straight cuts are better than angled cuts because it's less surface area open to potential diseases.
Clean your tools before pruning. Clean them between trees to prevent the spread of disease. Soapy water or spraying 91% isopropyl alcohol or a 10% bleach solution is best.
As we bring our discussion on pruning to a close, I hope you've found clarity amidst the foliage of misinformation.
Remember, pruning is not merely a chore but a vital aspect of nurturing healthy, thriving landscapes. Whether you're shaping ornamentals for aesthetic appeal or promoting fruitfulness in your orchard, understanding the principles behind proper pruning is key.
Remember to utilize professionals in the field if you’re unsure where to start or what cuts to make. Your local extension office is a great place to start!
Happy pruning and Keep Blooming!
-Nicole Dillon
Breemar Flower Farm | Ashland, VA
